News Summary
Greenwood County, SC faced severe thunderstorms on Friday, leading to numerous disruptions. The National Weather Service issued a storm alert predicting wind gusts up to 40 mph, causing downed trees and power lines, particularly near the Ninety Six Historic Site. The Greenwood Fire Department is working on clear-up efforts as roads remain closed for safety. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is active until 8 p.m., urging residents to seek shelter and stay alert to weather updates.
Greenwood County, SC experienced severe thunderstorms on Friday, resulting in disruptions across the area. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a weather alert updated at 3:13 p.m., warning residents of strong thunderstorms until 3:30 p.m.
The alert indicated that residents in the region could face wind gusts of up to 40 mph, creating potential hazards including downed tree limbs and the risk of unsecured objects being blown around. At 3:12 p.m., Doppler radar identified a strong thunderstorm about 15 miles southeast of Greenwood, specifically 9 miles south of the Ninety Six Historic Site, which was moving eastward at a speed of 40 mph.
Areas particularly affected by the storm included Ninety Six Historic Site, Kirksey, Epworth, and Callison. The NWS advised those outdoors during the storms to seek shelter indoors to avoid potential risks associated with strong winds and lightning.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remained in effect until 8 p.m. for Upstate South Carolina, with the weather alert for strong thunderstorms expiring shortly after. The possibility of lightning is heightened during these storms, with estimates showing that lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times annually, mostly during the summer, leading to around 20 fatalities each year.
As the storm moved through Greenwood County, significant weather-related incidents were reported. Observations indicated a massive tree was uprooted along Cambridge Avenue, blocking the road and bringing down power lines in its wake. Other streets, including the intersection at Grace Street and Cambridge Avenue, have been rendered impassable due to the debris caused by fallen trees.
The Greenwood Fire Department is actively working to clear the roadways and any downed power lines; however, officials have not provided an estimated time for completion of these efforts. The area will remain closed to traffic until further notice to ensure safety and facilitate clean-up operations.
In recent weeks, the NWS has reported on the occurrence of severe thunderstorms causing damage in other regions as well, such as in Harris County, Texas, where a falling tree damaged a home and obstructed roadways. Incidents of hydroplaning and treacherous driving conditions have also been noted as potential hazards during heavy rainfalls, where vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
The dangers of hydroplaning are influenced by factors like tire tread depth, road conditions, and vehicle speed, further highlighting the importance of caution during severe weather conditions.
As residents of Greenwood County navigate the aftermath of this severe storm, staying updated on weather advisories and adhering to safety recommendations from local authorities remain crucial for public safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Stormy Friday Ahead for Western North Carolina
Thunderstorms Set to Hit Greenwood County, SC
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Thunderstorms in Greenwood County
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Index Journal: Thunderstorm Damage in Greenwood
- Google Search: Greenwood County Severe Thunderstorms
- WSPA: Major Damage from Thunderstorms in Lake Greenwood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- ABC13: Tree Falls on House During Storms
- Google News: Thunderstorm Damage Greenwood
